Pain Score ReductionNCT07574086
Stratafix vs. PDS (Fascial Closure RCT)
A study testing Polydioxanone Plus and Polydioxanone (PDS) in people with Pain Score Reduction and Cesarian Section, run by University of Arizona.
Trial summary
This proposed prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial will directly compare Stratafix anti-microbial barbed sutures and standard PDS sutures for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery. Read more about this study
- Who is it for?
- Ages 18 to 45 years, women onlyHealthy volunteers can take part
- Conditions the study is for
- Pain Score Reduction, Cesarian Section
- What is being tested?
- Polydioxanone Plus and Polydioxanone (PDS)
- Type of treatment
- Medical device
- Could I receive a placebo?
- No, everyone receives an active treatment
- How many people
- 200 participants
- Where
- No sites listed yet
- Study dates
- 1 May 2026to 31 Dec 2031
- Phase
- Interventional
- Are there results?
- Not yet: the study is under way
Key requirements
Who can take part, as listed by the sponsor. Only the study team can confirm whether you are eligible, so take this list to your doctor.
- Ages 18 to 45 years
- Women only
- Healthy volunteers accepted
- Adult
Who may be able to join
- Women of reproductive age ( ≥18 years old to ≤ 45 years old) undergoing primary scheduled or unscheduled Cesarean delivery at ≥37 weeks of gestation.
Who cannot join
- Women of reproductive age (≤ 18 years old to ≥ 45 years old) undergoing primary scheduled or unscheduled Cesarean delivery at ≤ 37 weeks of gestation.
- Emergent Cesarean delivery
- Chronic opioid use or pain disorders
- Allergy to suture materials
- Previous classical Cesarean section
- Intraoperative complications (e.g. hemorrhage, uterine rupture, injury)
Trial locations and contacts
No sites are listed yet. Contact the study team or a site near you to ask about taking part.
About this study
Official title: A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Stratafix vs. PDS Suture for Fascial Closure at Cesarean Delivery: Impact on Postoperative Pain and Narcotic Use
This proposed prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial will directly compare Stratafix anti-microbial barbed sutures and standard PDS sutures for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery.
Primary outcomes will include postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum (both total pain and right-sided abdominal pain commonly associated with the knot from traditional fascial closure), as well as total opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents) for the first 48 hours.
Secondary outcomes will include length of hospital stay, wound complications (e.g., infection, dehiscence), patient satisfaction measured per the standardized surgical satisfaction questionnaire (SSQ-8), time required for fascial closure (minutes from start to end of fascial closure), and surgical site infections. The hypothesis is that among women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery, fascial closure with barbed suture (Stratafix) will result in lower postoperative pain scores and reduced opioid (narcotic) consumption within the first 48 hours after surgery compared to closure with traditional monofilament suture (PDS).
Read the detailed description
This prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial will compare Stratafix™ antimicrobial barbed sutures with standard PDS monofilament sutures for fascial closure at Cesarean delivery, evaluating whether barbed sutures improve postoperative recovery. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks-capturing both overall pain and the right-sided discomfort often associated with fascial knot placement-as well as total opioid use in the first 48 hours (measured in MMEs). Secondary outcomes include length of hospital stay, wound complications, surgical site infections, fascial closure time, and patient-reported satisfaction using the SSQ-8. The study hypothesizes that barbed suture closure will result in lower pain and reduced opioid consumption compared with traditional PDS closure among women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery.
- Conditions
- Pain Score Reduction, Cesarian Section
- Being tested
- Polydioxanone Plus, Polydioxanone (PDS)
- Keywords
- Cesarian Section, Pain Score Reduction, Opiod use
What participants receive
What participants receive. In a randomised study each person is assigned to one group by chance.
Polydioxanone PlusDevice
Polydioxanone Plus (PDS) is a standard monofilament, absorbable suture used for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery. In this study, PDS will be used to approximate the rectus fascia in a continuous running fashion with a traditional terminal knot. This intervention represents the conventional method of fascial closure and serves as the control arm for comparison against Stratafix barbed suture
Polydioxanone (PDS)Device
Polydioxanone (PDS) is a standard monofilament, absorbable suture used for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery. In this study, PDS will be used to approximate the rectus fascia in a continuous running fashion with a traditional terminal knot. This intervention represents the conventional method of fascial closure and serves as the control arm for comparison against Stratafix barbed suture.
| Study group | Role | What they receive |
|---|---|---|
| PDS | Active comparator | Polydioxanone Receives: Device: Polydioxanone (PDS) |
| Stratafix | Active comparator | Polydioxanone Plus Receives: Device: Polydioxanone Plus |
What is being measured
The primary outcome is the main question the study is designed to answer.
Postoperative Pain Score
Primary outcomes will include postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum (both total pain and right-sided abdominal pain commonly associated with the knot from traditional fascial closure), as well as total opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents) for the first 48 hours.
Measured: 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum
Secondary outcomes (1)
Length of hospital stay
Secondary outcomes will include length of hospital stay, wound complications (e.g., infection, dehiscence), patient satisfaction measured per the standardized surgical satisfaction questionnaire (SSQ-8), time required for fascial closure (minutes from start to end of fascial closure), and surgical site infections. The hypothesis is that among women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery, fascial closure with barbed suture (Stratafix) will result in lower postoperative pain scores and reduced opioid (narcotic) consumption within the first 48 hours after surgery compared to closure with traditional monofilament suture (PDS).
Measured: First 48 hours after surgery
Timeline
From the start of the study to its completion; the mark is today. Estimated dates are the sponsor’s plan.
- First posted7 May 2026
- Study start1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
- Study completion31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
Resources
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govThe registry entry this page is built from, with its full change history.
- Publications (8)Papers the sponsor has linked to this study.
- Other trials for Pain Score ReductionStudies of the same condition, open and under way.
- What the trial phases meanHow a treatment moves from first tests in people to approval.
More details
For doctors and researchers: how the study is designed, who runs it, and its registry IDs.
Study design
- Study type
- Interventional
- Phase
- Phase N/A
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind
- Who is masked
- Participant, Care provider, Investigator
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
Sponsor and investigators
- Lead sponsor
- University of Arizona
- Sponsor type
- University, hospital or other
- Responsible party
- Principal investigator, Kathleen Curley, University of Arizona
- Investigators
- Kathleen Curley, MD, Principal investigator, University of Arizona
IDs, dates and publications
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07574086
- Sponsor's protocol ID
- STUDY00007603
- Status last verified
- Mar 2026
- First submitted
- 1 May 2026
- Last updated
- 7 May 2026
- Results posted
- No
- Data monitoring committee
- No
- FDA-regulated drug
- No
- FDA-regulated device
- No
- Individual data sharing
- No: There is not a plan to make IPD available.
Publications
Ruiz-Tovar J, Llavero C, Jimenez-Fuertes M, Duran M, Perez-Lopez M, Garcia-Marin A. Incisional Surgical Site Infection after Abdominal Fascial Closure with Triclosan-Coated Barbed Suture vs Triclosan-Coated Polydioxanone Loop Suture vs Polydioxanone Loop Suture in Emergent Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Am Coll Surg. 2020 May;230(5):766-774. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.02.031. Epub 2020 Feb 27.
PubMed 32113031Cepeda MS, Africano JM, Polo R, Alcala R, Carr DB. What decline in pain intensity is meaningful to patients with acute pain? Pain. 2003 Sep;105(1-2):151-7. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3959(03)00176-3.
PubMed 14499431Pharmacologic Stepwise Multimodal Approach for Postpartum Pain Management: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 1. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Sep 1;138(3):507-517. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004517.
PubMed 34412076Raischer HB, Massalha M, Iskander R, Izhaki I, Salim R. Knotless Barbed versus Conventional Suture for Closure of the Uterine Incision at Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2022 Jul;29(7):832-839. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.05.001. Epub 2022 May 7.
PubMed 35533955Park SK, Yoon HK, Kim WH. Obesity and spinal anesthesia outcomes. J Anesth. 2019 Dec;33(6):704. doi: 10.1007/s00540-019-02685-7. Epub 2019 Sep 23. No abstract available.
PubMed 31549236Zayed MA, Fouda UM, Elsetohy KA, Zayed SM, Hashem AT, Youssef MA. Barbed sutures versus conventional sutures for uterine closure at cesarean section; a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2019 Mar;32(5):710-717. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1388368. Epub 2017 Oct 29.
PubMed 29082807Greenberg JA. The use of barbed sutures in obstetrics and gynecology. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Summer;3(3):82-91.
PubMed 21364859Martin JA, Hamilton BE, Osterman MJ. Births in the United States, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2022 Aug;(442):1-8.
PubMed 36043891
Study at a glance
From the registry record, last updated by the sponsor on 7 May 2026. Recruitment status is as the sponsor reported it: confirm with the study team.
- Official title
- A Randomized Controlled Trial Comparing Stratafix vs. PDS Suture for Fascial Closure at Cesarean Delivery: Impact on Postoperative Pain and Narcotic Use
- ClinicalTrials.gov ID
- NCT07574086
- Acronym / sponsor ID
- STUDY00007603
- Conditions
- Pain Score Reduction, Cesarian Section
- Keywords
- Cesarian Section, Pain Score Reduction, Opiod use
- Study type
- Interventional
- Recruitment status
- Not yet recruiting
- Enrolment
- 200 participants (estimated)
- Lead sponsor
- University of ArizonaUniversity, hospital or other
- Study start
- 1 May 2026 (estimated)
- Primary completion
- 31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
- Study completion
- 31 Dec 2031 (estimated)
- First posted
- 7 May 2026 (actual)
- Results
- Not posted in the source record
Clinical summary
The research question as the sponsor registered it. This describes what the study plans to test, not what it found.
This proposed prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial will directly compare Stratafix anti-microbial barbed sutures and standard PDS sutures for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery.
Primary outcomes will include postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum (both total pain and right-sided abdominal pain commonly associated with the knot from traditional fascial closure), as well as total opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents) for the first 48 hours.
Secondary outcomes will include length of hospital stay, wound complications (e.g., infection, dehiscence), patient satisfaction measured per the standardized surgical satisfaction questionnaire (SSQ-8), time required for fascial closure (minutes from start to end of fascial closure), and surgical site infections. The hypothesis is that among women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery, fascial closure with barbed suture (Stratafix) will result in lower postoperative pain scores and reduced opioid (narcotic) consumption within the first 48 hours after surgery compared to closure with traditional monofilament suture (PDS).
Detailed description
This prospective, randomized, single-blinded controlled trial will compare Stratafix™ antimicrobial barbed sutures with standard PDS monofilament sutures for fascial closure at Cesarean delivery, evaluating whether barbed sutures improve postoperative recovery. Primary outcomes include postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks-capturing both overall pain and the right-sided discomfort often associated with fascial knot placement-as well as total opioid use in the first 48 hours (measured in MMEs). Secondary outcomes include length of hospital stay, wound complications, surgical site infections, fascial closure time, and patient-reported satisfaction using the SSQ-8. The study hypothesizes that barbed suture closure will result in lower pain and reduced opioid consumption compared with traditional PDS closure among women undergoing primary Cesarean delivery.
Study design
- Primary purpose
- Supportive care
- Allocation
- Randomised
- Intervention model
- Parallel groups
- Masking
- Triple blind (participant, care provider, investigator)
- Number of arms
- 2
| Arm | Type | Receives |
|---|---|---|
| PDS | Active comparator | Device: Polydioxanone (PDS)Polydioxanone |
| Stratafix | Active comparator | Device: Polydioxanone PlusPolydioxanone Plus |
Who may qualify
- Ages
- 18 to 45 years
- Sex
- Female only
- Healthy volunteers
- Accepted
- Age groups
- Adult
Key inclusion criteria (1 listed)
- Women of reproductive age ( ≥18 years old to ≤ 45 years old) undergoing primary scheduled or unscheduled Cesarean delivery at ≥37 weeks of gestation.
Key exclusion criteria (6 listed)
- Women of reproductive age (≤ 18 years old to ≥ 45 years old) undergoing primary scheduled or unscheduled Cesarean delivery at ≤ 37 weeks of gestation.
- Emergent Cesarean delivery
- Chronic opioid use or pain disorders
- Allergy to suture materials
- Previous classical Cesarean section
Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening; this overview does not establish that a patient qualifies. Full inclusion and exclusion criteria.
Interventions
| Intervention | Type | Arms |
|---|---|---|
| Polydioxanone PlusPolydioxanone Plus (PDS) is a standard monofilament, absorbable suture used for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery. In this study, PDS will be used to approximate the rectus fascia in a continuous running fashion with a traditional terminal knot. This intervention represents the conventional method of fascial closure and serves as the control arm for comparison against Stratafix barbed suture | Device | Stratafix |
| Polydioxanone (PDS)Polydioxanone (PDS) is a standard monofilament, absorbable suture used for fascial closure at the time of Cesarean delivery. In this study, PDS will be used to approximate the rectus fascia in a continuous running fashion with a traditional terminal knot. This intervention represents the conventional method of fascial closure and serves as the control arm for comparison against Stratafix barbed suture. | Device | PDS |
Primary outcome
Postoperative Pain Score
Time frame: 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum
Primary outcomes will include postoperative pain scores at 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum (both total pain and right-sided abdominal pain commonly associated with the knot from traditional fascial closure), as well as total opioid consumption (morphine milligram equivalents) for the first 48 hours.
1 secondary outcome
Length of hospital stay
Time frame: First 48 hours after surgery
Results and safety
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
Research links
- Official record on ClinicalTrials.govLast updated by the sponsor 7 May 2026.
- Background: PubMed 32113031Ruiz-Tovar J, Llavero C, Jimenez-Fuertes M, Duran M, Perez-Lopez M, Garcia-Marin A. Incisional Surgical Site Infection after Abdominal Fascial Closure with Triclosan-Coated Barbed Suture vs Triclosan-Coated Polydioxanone Loop Suture vs Polydioxanone Loop Suture in Emergent Abdominal Surgery: A Randomized Clinical Trial. J Am Coll Surg. 2020 May;230(5):766-774. doi: 10.1016/j.jamcollsurg.2020.02.031. Epub 2020 Feb 27.
- Background: PubMed 14499431Cepeda MS, Africano JM, Polo R, Alcala R, Carr DB. What decline in pain intensity is meaningful to patients with acute pain? Pain. 2003 Sep;105(1-2):151-7. doi: 10.1016/s0304-3959(03)00176-3.
- Background: PubMed 34412076Pharmacologic Stepwise Multimodal Approach for Postpartum Pain Management: ACOG Clinical Consensus No. 1. Obstet Gynecol. 2021 Sep 1;138(3):507-517. doi: 10.1097/AOG.0000000000004517.
- Background: PubMed 35533955Raischer HB, Massalha M, Iskander R, Izhaki I, Salim R. Knotless Barbed versus Conventional Suture for Closure of the Uterine Incision at Cesarean Delivery: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Minim Invasive Gynecol. 2022 Jul;29(7):832-839. doi: 10.1016/j.jmig.2022.05.001. Epub 2022 May 7.
- Background: PubMed 31549236Park SK, Yoon HK, Kim WH. Obesity and spinal anesthesia outcomes. J Anesth. 2019 Dec;33(6):704. doi: 10.1007/s00540-019-02685-7. Epub 2019 Sep 23. No abstract available.
- Background: PubMed 29082807Zayed MA, Fouda UM, Elsetohy KA, Zayed SM, Hashem AT, Youssef MA. Barbed sutures versus conventional sutures for uterine closure at cesarean section; a randomized controlled trial. J Matern Fetal Neonatal Med. 2019 Mar;32(5):710-717. doi: 10.1080/14767058.2017.1388368. Epub 2017 Oct 29.
- Background: PubMed 21364859Greenberg JA. The use of barbed sutures in obstetrics and gynecology. Rev Obstet Gynecol. 2010 Summer;3(3):82-91.
- Background: PubMed 36043891Martin JA, Hamilton BE, Osterman MJ. Births in the United States, 2021. NCHS Data Brief. 2022 Aug;(442):1-8.
- Individual participant dataSharing planned: No. There is not a plan to make IPD available.
Related trials for Pain Score Reduction
Not yet recruiting
Pre-procedural Risk Score-Based Endoscopist Assignment for Pain Reduction in Unsedated Colonoscopy
Colonoscopy Pain
RecruitingPhase 4
Pectoral Block in Breast Reduction for Pain Control
Macromastia (Symptomatic)
RecruitingPhase 2/3
Magnesium Sulfate in Addition to Bupivacaine in Ultrasound-guided Transmuscular Quadratus Lumborum Block for Post-Operative Analgesia After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Pain Score Reduction
Referral and contact
AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals. Contact the study team or a site listed below; they decide who can take part.
Kathleen Curley, MD principal investigator
University of Arizona
Questions about this trial
What is this clinical trial studying?
A study testing Polydioxanone Plus and Polydioxanone (PDS) in people with Pain Score Reduction and Cesarian Section, run by University of Arizona.
The full registered description is in the About this study section and the official record.
Who may be eligible to take part?
The sponsor lists 1 inclusion and 6 exclusion criteria. Eligibility is decided by the study team after screening, so read the full criteria and contact a listed site.
Is this clinical trial currently recruiting?
The record says: opening soon, as of the sponsor's last update on 7 May 2026. Status can change between updates, so confirm with the study contact before making plans.
What are the possible benefits and risks?
They depend on the study and the treatment, and no study can promise a benefit. The study team explains the known risks during informed consent, before anyone joins; the record itself does not list them.
Are results available for this study?
This study is still under way. Results are not available in the source record yet.
How can a doctor refer a patient or contact the research team?
Contact Anna Valencia, MPH (520-780-8241, atvalencia@email.arizona.edu), or a site near the patient. AzTrials does not enrol participants or take referrals.
What does the primary outcome measure?
Postoperative Pain Score (time frame: 24 hours, 48 hours, and two weeks postpartum). It is what the study was designed to measure, not a finding.
Where can I read the original study information?
On the ClinicalTrials.gov record for NCT07574086, which also lists 8 linked publications.
Does a listing mean the treatment is approved or proven to work?
No. A listing means the study is registered. It does not show that the treatment is safe, works, or is approved by a regulator.
How often is this information updated?
AzTrials copies changed records from ClinicalTrials.gov every night and reloads the whole registry every week. The sponsor last updated this record on 7 May 2026.